Manhunt for Oldham man suspected of rape who may have fled to Cyprus

A suspected rapist from Oldham is thought to have fled to Cyprus. Paul Lockwood, 41, is wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a young girl over a six-year period. The British national is said to be 5ft 6, with thin features, brown hair and brown eyes. He is wanted by Greater Manchester Police.

A suspected rapist from Oldham is thought to have fled to Cyprus. Paul Lockwood, 41, is wanted in connection with the alleged rape of a young girl over a six-year period.

The British national is said to be 5ft 6, with thin features, brown hair and brown eyes.

He is wanted by Greater Manchester Police.

Today, police in the UK and Cyprus, led by the Crimestoppers charity, published the details of Lockwood and eight other fugitives as part of Operation Zygos.

European arrest warrants have been issued for all nine individuals.

Lord Ashcroft, the founder and chair of Crimestoppers, said: "Operation Zygos is an example of the continuing impact Crimestoppers is having abroad in the fight against crime, and my hope is that we shall see more success in bringing some of the UK's most wanted fugitives to justice.

"While these suspected criminals will see Cyprus as a safe place to evade law enforcement, my belief is that with the help of the local public and ex-patriot community, these individuals will not be able to escape justice for much longer."

Martin Molloy, deputy director of the Serious and Organised Crime Agency, said: "Fugitives hiding overseas typically remain part of the criminal world, continuing to bring harm to communities locally and beyond. SOCA and our partners are determined to ensure life on the run is intolerable for them, and that they are returned to face justice in the UK."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.